About

Upward Bound Math & Science is a college preparatory program for first-generation and income-qualified students from select target high schools. The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Education and is FREE to all participants. This is a supportive program that identifies, motivates, and prepares participants to complete high school, enroll in, and graduate from institutions of post-secondary education.

Mission

The mission of the Upward Bound Math & Science Center (UBMSC) at UNLV is to build, encourage, motivate, and create an atmosphere for learning. We provide students with the skills necessary to pursue and complete post-secondary education successfully. UBMSC is an academic enrichment program that opens the windows of opportunity in education via self-empowerment.

Program Eligibility

A student is eligible to participate in the Upward Bound Math & Science Center if all of the following requirements are met:

  • A desire to attend a college or university
  • Academic or personal need for the program
  • Family household income meets guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education
  • A potential first-generation student from a family where neither parent/guardian has a four-year college degree
  • A U.S. citizen, naturalized, or permanent resident of the U.S.
  • Between the ages of 13 and 19 years of age
  • Demonstrate an interest in careers in math and/or science fields
  • Attend a target school

Cost

There is no charge other than your commitment to enroll in and complete a two or four-year degree at a college or university.

Target Schools

  • Canyon Springs High School
  • Cheyenne High School
  • Chaparral High School
  • Desert Pines High School
  • Del Sol High School
  • Eldorado High School
  • Legacy High School
  • Mojave High School
  • Rancho High School
  • Sunrise Mountain High School
  • Valley High School
  • Western High School

PROGRAM PLEDGE

I am an Upward Bound Student.
I have a brain, I put it to work.
I have ears, I listen to people.
I have a voice, I can communicate.
I have an imagination, I can create.
I have feelings, I respect other people.
I have a plan, I am going to college!
For I am an UPWARD BOUND STUDENT!

Services

UBMSC participants receive services during the academic school year virtually, at target school sites, and on the UNLV main campus. Participants can also participate in the six-week Virtual and Summer Residential Program with college life experience in the residence hall at UNLV.

Academic Year Program Services

  • Specialized services in math and science disciplines
  • Academic instruction and tutoring
  • Academic counseling and career exploration
  • Individual post-secondary planning and goal setting
  • College tours to out-of-state campuses
  • FAFSA and scholarships
  • ACT and SAT preparation and registration
  • Exposure to degree programs and university faculty
  • STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) learning activities
  • High school and college course planning and dual enrollment advisement
  • Time management and organization
  • Study skills and test preparation
  • Leadership development
  • College and career exploration
  • College admission and application process
  • College matriculation process
  • Personal and social skill development
  • Service-learning activities and projects
  • Mentoring and internships
  • Financial literacy
  • Collaborations with the university and community partners
  • Cultural activities and trips

Summer Program Services

  • Six-week program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  • Housing and meals provided in a university residence hall
  • Innovative and engaging curriculum in core and college prep subjects
  • Interpersonal and social skill development
  • Cultural enrichment and co-curricular activities
  • Internships, mentorship, and interactions with university professors and students
  • Rigorous math and science curriculum
  • Interpersonal and social skill development
  • College tours to out-of-state campuses
  • Cultural activities and trips

Application

Thank you for your interest in the UNLV Upward Bound Math & Science Center. Interested students must complete the application and interview process.

Applications are available online and in the UBMSC offices at the target schools served by Upward Bound Math and Science Center. Submit your application online today. Your future begins here!

Application Process

Step 1: Apply to UNLV Upward Bound Math & Science Center

There are two options to apply to UBMSC:

Step 2: EMAIL TRANSCRIPT AND CURRENT GRADES

Submit transcript and current grades by emailing them to ubapplication@unlv.edu.

Step 3: COMPLETE AN INTERVIEW

The UBMSC staff will contact the student and parent/quardian to schedule your interview.

Step 4: INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

The UBMSC staff will contact selected students to participate in the program.

UBMSC Staff

Jennie E. Johnson, M.Ed.

Director
Phone: 702-591-4479

Geannine Jordan, B.A.

Assistant Director
Phone: 702-491-6170

Yahindra Maxey, M.A.

Assistant Director
Phone: 702-204-0460

Robin Wood, M.Ed.

Assistant Director
Phone: 702-201-3384

Pearl Morgan, M.Ed

Curriculum Specialist
Phone: 702-895-4777

Miriam Avila Garcia

Office Manager
Phone: 702-301-2096

James Archibald, B.A.

Academic Coordinator for Desert Pines HS and Western HS
Phone: 702-201-3405

Alejandro Gallegos, B.S

Academic Coordinator for Chaparral HS, Del Sol HS, and Valley HS
Phone: 702-527-0670

Musiette McKinney, B.S

Academic Coordinator for Eldorado HS, Sunrise HS, and Valley HS
Phone: 702-491-7306